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Unfortunately, most dogs don't like the Gentle Leader at first. Use these steps to introduce your dog to it, and have a better chance of him accepting it.
Step 1:
- Fit the Gentle Leader according to the directions that came with it, or ask one of us to help you.
- Hold the nose loop in one hand and some treats in the other hand. Put your fingers holding a treat through the loop and lead your dog's nose through. Do this several times, until your dog understands that he needs to put his nose through the loop to get the treat.
- Assign a cue to the action like "Get dressed," and do a few more times.
Step 2:
- Use your cue to get your dog to put her nose through. Let the collar hang off your dog's nose while you give treat after treat. If the collar falls off, just start over. It helps if you're standing, so your dog's head is looking up at you.
- Your dog will soon try to keep the nose loop on by keeping her head up, realizing that once it falls off, the treats stop coming.
Step 3:
- When your dog is comfortable with Step 2, buckle the collar and give treats. Do this for just a few seconds at first, and take the collar off right away.
- Have your dog eat meals with it on and take it off when you're done.
- Let your dog play in the collar, trying to keep him distracted so he doesn't start pawing at it. Don't yell at your dog if he paws at it, just distract him by asking him to sit, throw a ball, etc. Never take it off when he's pawing at it, or he will learn to do that more. Wait until he's distracted and then take it off.
Step 4:
- Hook the leash to the collar. Make sure that when your dog is being good and not pulling that the leash is loose. Only put tension on the leash if your dog is pulling, or doing another unwanted behavior (barking, jumping, etc.). Keep steady pressure for these situations, do not jerk the leash, and ease the tension as soon as he stops.
- Expect your dog to fuss a little bit the first few times he feels tension on the leash. Try to distract your dog with food, toys, or attention. Call your dog to you and use LOTS of praise when he's walking along with you!
